In Pakistan, Google has launched a one-box suicide hotline! Thanks to Google’s partnership with ‘Umang Pakistan,’ users can obtain fast help at the top of the search result page when searching for anything related to suicide.
Umang Pakistan has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mental health helpline that gives support to vulnerable Pakistanis who are contemplating or planning suicide. Each year, between 130,000 and 270,000 people attempt suicide in Pakistan, according to the World Health Organization.
“Anyone in Pakistan looking for suicide-related information, such as “suicide hotline” or “how can I commit suicide,” would now be directed to the “Umang Pakistan” helpline, according to the notice.
Search interest in mental health issues is on the rise, according to the IT industry.
“As we can see from Google Trends, Pakistanis are searching for mental health solutions,” said Farhan Qureshi, Google Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. We recognise that when seeking help, time is of the essence, especially for those who are contemplating suicide. We believe that by using this service, vulnerable clients will be able to find help when they need it.”
Meanwhile, both desktop and mobile search results in Pakistan will carry an update on a suicide hotline.